Ethiopia has begun construction on Bishoftu International Airport, an ambitious $12.5 billion project 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, aimed at revolutionizing African aviation. Set to open in 2030, the airport will initially handle 60 million passengers annually, with future expansion to 110 million, featuring four runways and space for 270 aircraft. State-owned Ethiopian Airlines will lead the project, supported by the African Development Bank and the US International Development Finance Corporation. Crucially, Bishoftu’s lower altitude promises better fuel efficiency and payload capacity than Bole International Airport, the country’s current largest airport. While it may not rival Dubai or Doha globally, Bishoftu will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s leading aviation hub and improve intercontinental connectivity.
African Business
